Apply for funding to help communities address food insecurity: Local Food Security Initiatives
Communities and community organizations can apply for funding from the Local Food Security Initiatives program to help support activities that address food security. You can apply until 31 August 2026.
The Local Food Security Initiatives program helps vulnerable Nova Scotians access healthy, culturally appropriate and locally produced or prepared food by supporting projects that:
- build the capacity of organizations to provide healthy, culturally appropriate, and locally produced or prepared food
- work collaboratively to change food ecosystems and demonstrate a collective impact
- create food ecosystems and supporting collaborations that help organize, plan or address barriers and challenges to acquiring healthy, cultural appropriate and locally produced or prepared food for those who need it most
You need to use the funding to:
- buy food for distribution
- buy equipment to increase ability to distribute food
- collaborate on the distribution of food and creation of food networks
Eligibility
Non-profit societies, community organizations and Mi’kmaq communities can apply for funding if the organization is:
- registered with Registry of Joint Stock Companies
- federally registered Charities or Not-for-Profit Corporations
- a Nova Scotian Mi’kmaw band
You need to apply for funding by 31 August 2026.
How to apply
- Review detailed program criteria in the Local Food Security Initiatives Guidelines.
- Complete the funding application.
- Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
- Send your completed application and supporting documents by email or mail. Or drop them off at the Department of Communities, Culture Tourism and Heritage.
- Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage reviews your application after the submission deadline (this can take 2 to 3 months).
How long it takes
It should take 2 to 3 months for the program to review your funding application and let you know if your funding application is approved. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your application hasn’t been filled in correctly.
Cost
There is no cost to apply.
Before you start
Make sure you have:
- Registry of Joint Stock Companies ID (if you're a non-profit organization)
- plan to reach and engage your target group
- funding contribution secured, if applicable